Saint James the Greater (Tyler)

Feast Day: July 25

Patron Saint: Spaniards and Travelers

St. James was born in Bethsaida on July 25 the year of his birth is unknown. Much is unknown about his early life but what we do know is that he was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John the gospel writer. St. James the Greater was the first apostle of Jesus. St James was given the nickname "The Greater" to help distinguish him from James the other apostle. They also call him the greater because he is believed to be taller than the other James. St James was one of the three apostles to witness Jesus' Transfiguration. After the Ascension of Jesus St. James spread the good news all across Rome and Israel. One night mary appeared to James in a vision and told him to go spread the good new in Spain. He did this for 40 years until his death. St. James died in 44 A.D. and is considered the first martyr for our faith. His head was sawed off by order from the emperor of that time.